That\u2019s why we\u2019ve rounded a list of affordable mid-range alternatives sandwiched between the ultra cheap phones with questionable performance and the high end smartphones loaded with all the bells and whistles. Who says you need to miss out on the fun features in exchange for saving a few bucks? So, what\u2019s the one budget phone to rule them all?<\/p>\n
The Samsung Galaxy A56<\/a> is actually still one of my favourite tried and tested wallet-friendly alternatives, and among the more wallet friendly options on the market. It offers fantastic value with a great camera, a nice range of AI features, decent battery and lightweight and slim design that doesn\u2019t scream \u2018typical budget phone\u2019. <\/p>\n Apple\u2019s new iPhone 17e<\/a> is also high on my list, especially as a more affordable alternative to the standard premium flagship line-up and the new iPhone Duo<\/a>. Similar to many other tech in the past year, the starting price has bumped up from $999 to $1149 since launching in March, but it\u2019s still much kinder on the hip pocket compared to most other Apple phones. Plus, storage kicks off at 256GB and there\u2019s a 512GB which isn\u2019t always the case with some mid-range devices.<\/p>\n Please note the prices reflect with a 128GB storage, unless stated otherwise.<\/p>\n Need to knowWant something that doesn\u2019t scream cheap? Mid-range phones are a more practical alternative to the cheapst dumb phones and pricier flagship models, especially if you want to shop a bigger name brand like Apple<\/a> or Samsung<\/a>.If you plan on re-selling a phone or buying a refurbished device, make sure to check how many years of security and software updates are available. Keep in mind this is usually based on the product launch date, not the date you purchased the phone.Budget to mid-range phones are typically ideal for users who don\u2019t run super demanding tasks, such as simultaneously hotspotting and heavy gaming for hours, and can get warm with heavier usage.Our top picksBest cheap Samsung Galaxy phone<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy A56, $681 at Amazon AU<\/a><\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy A56. Picture: Supplied \/ Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy A56. Picture: Supplied \/ Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito<\/p>\n Samsung Galaxy A56. Picture: Google<\/p>\n PROS:<\/p>\n + Has a slim and lightweight design that fits nicely in the hand<\/p>\n + Bright display<\/p>\n + Super easy to use interface with lots of customisability<\/p>\n + Made with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (front and back) for durability<\/p>\n + Has a Read Aloud function which turns text into audio, and can be used in Multi Window mode<\/p>\n + Supports 45W Super Fast Charging<\/p>\n + Has a IP67 dust and water rating<\/p>\n CONS:<\/p>\n – Some tools can be fiddly<\/p>\n – No wireless charging<\/p>\n Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Battery life: up to 29 hours | Processor: Octa-core | RAM: 8GB | Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP | Size: 162.2mm x 77.5mm x 7.4mm | Security and software updates (from product launch date, not purchase date): Six years<\/p>\n $681 AT AMAZON AU<\/a><\/p>\n Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Senior Shopping Writer<\/p>\n Samsung\u2019s Galaxy A56<\/a>* gives serious bang for buck, setting a new standard for budget friendly smartphones with larger storage space, long lasting battery, a decent camera and a mid-range price tag that leans closer to the budget friendly side than the affordable premium end. <\/p>\n While this model doesn\u2019t have Galaxy AI, you can get a suite of AI features with Awesome Intelligence which still includes popular functions from the Galaxy S series<\/a> like Circle to Search, Object Eraser and Best Face. <\/p>\n Read our full review here.<\/a><\/p>\n SHOP HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Best cheap Apple iPhone<\/p>\n Apple iPhone 17e (512 GB), $1,547 at Amazon AU<\/a><\/p>\n Picture: Apple<\/p>\n Apple iPhone 17e. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito<\/p>\n Apple iPhone 17e. Picture: Apple<\/p>\n PROS:<\/p>\n + Bright display and fits nicely in the hand<\/p>\n + Runs fast and smoothly<\/p>\n + Good camera quality<\/p>\n + All-day battery life<\/p>\n + Compatible with nano-SIM and eSIM, and has Dual eSIM support<\/p>\n CONS:<\/p>\n – Can get warm with heavier use<\/p>\n Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Battery life: up to 26 hours | Processor: A19 chip | RAM: 8GB | Cameras: 48MP Fusion camera, 12MP TrueDepth front camera | Size: 71.5mm x 7.80mm x 146.7mm | Security and software updates (from product launch date, not purchase date): Not stated<\/p>\n $1,547 AT AMAZON AU<\/a><\/p>\n Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Senior Shopping Writer<\/p>\n I\u2019ve been using the iPhone 17e<\/a>* for more than six months and I still love it as a simple, fuss-free mid-range option. I recently started testing the latest iPhone 18 Pros and it\u2019s a nice alternative that still gives you a beautiful display, great quality build and the usual fuss-free Apple ecosystem perks. Obviously, it\u2019s not as powerful and long-lasting as the flagship models, but it\u2019s worth checking out if you want to join or stay in the ecosystem and aren\u2019t a particularly heavy user and don\u2019t need the most advanced features on the market right now. <\/p>\n The iPhone 17e<\/a> also takes the cake for Apple fans who need a decent chunk of storage space, with the 512GB model roughly $900 cheaper.<\/p>\n Check out first-impressions (and longer-term update) here. <\/a><\/p>\n SHOP HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Best cheap Google Pixel phone<\/p>\n Google Pixel 9a, $696 at The Good Guys<\/a><\/p>\n Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Senior Shopping Writer<\/p>\n Google Pixel 9a. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito<\/p>\n Google Pixel 9a. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito<\/p>\n Google Pixel 9a. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito<\/p>\n Google Pixel 9a. Picture: Google<\/p>\n Google Pixel 9a. Picture: Google<\/p>\n PROS:\u00a0<\/p>\n + Fantastic camera quality and great battery life<\/p>\n + Camera is flat, so it doesn’t rock when you’re using it on a desk<\/p>\n + Uses same processor as the Pixel 9 flagship range<\/p>\n + Long battery life (around 30 hours with regular use, or up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver)<\/p>\n + Has Super Res Zoom up to 8x<\/p>\n + Inclues VPN for data protection, Car Crash detection for personal safety and intelligent theft protection (which locks your phone if your smartphone detects it has been stolen)<\/p>\n + Wireless charging compatible<\/p>\n + Has IP68 water and dust resistant rating<\/p>\n CONS:<\/p>\n – Gemini can be slow and inaccurate at times<\/p>\n Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Battery life: up to 30 hours (or 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver) | Processor: Google Tensor G4 | RAM: 8GB | Cameras: 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide and 13MP front | Size: 154.7mm x 73.3mm x 8.9mm | Security and software updates (from product launch date, not purchase date):\u00a0Seven years<\/p>\n $696 AT THE GOOD GUYS<\/a><\/p>\n Google\u2019s Pixel range<\/a> is known for its stellar camera quality, and the mid-range Pixel 9a<\/a>* is the perfect gateway model for easing into the flagship line-up. It boasts a 6.3\u201d Actua display and includes many of the same premium AI features in Android phones, such as Gemini, Add Me, Best Take, Circle to Search, and Pixel Studio. <\/p>\n I\u2019ve usually stuck with Apple and Samsung products, but the Pixel<\/a> user interface was super easy to navigate. The camera is incredible, battery life is great and there isn\u2019t much performance wise that makes you feel like you\u2019re sacrificing many of the bells and whistles for a smaller dent in your wallet. <\/p>\n Read our full hands-on review here.<\/a><\/p>\n SHOP HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Best cheap smartphone for battery life<\/p>\n OPPO Reno16 F (256GB), $999 at The Good Guys<\/a><\/p>\n Oppo Reno16 F. Picture: Oppo<\/p>\n Oppo Reno16 F. Picture: Oppo<\/p>\n Testing the Oppo Reno 16 F (left) and the Oppo Reno 16 Pro. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito.<\/p>\n PROS:\u00a0<\/p>\n + Fantastic battery life and fast charging<\/p>\n + Good camera for most people\u00a0<\/p>\n + Bright display<\/p>\n + Lightweight and compact<\/p>\n CONS:<\/p>\n – Can get warm with heavy use<\/p>\n – No wireless charging<\/p>\n Storage: 256GB | Battery life: Not stated, but can last all day | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8550 Super Platform | RAM: 8GB | Cameras: 50MP front, 50MP wide, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultra-wide | Size: 158.16mm x 74.93mm x 8.58mm | Security and software updates (from product launch date, not purchase date): Not stated<\/p>\n $999 AT THE GOOD GUYS<\/a><\/p>\n Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Senior Shopping Writer<\/p>\n If long battery life is your top priority, Oppo\u2019s Reno16 F<\/a>* is worth checking out. It runs smoothly and can comfortably last two days, as long as I\u2019m not doing anything too demanding (e.g. taking videos for an extended period or hotspotting and heavy gamng at the same time).<\/p>\n The display is stunning, especially for a non-flagship phone, and the overall build looks and feels pretty premium. The colourway White Pop is also ridiculously pretty, which is always a bonus. <\/p>\n Camera quality is actually pretty good in most lighting conditions, although night shots can get a bit blurry and may not be as crisp compared to the morning. If you want better snaps, the fellow mid-range Oppo Reno16 Pro<\/a>* has a more impressive 200MP wide lens and 50MP ultra-wide lens. For comparison, the Oppo Reno16 F<\/a> has a 50MP wide lens and 8MP ultra-wide camera. <\/p>\n But the Reno16 F\u2019s<\/a> $999 starting price is much more mid-range friendly than the Reno16 Pro<\/a>, which inches into flagship territory from $1599. <\/p>\n See what happened when we tested the Oppo Reno16 F against theOppo Reno16 Pro here.<\/a><\/p>\n SHOP HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Best cheap all-rounder phone under $1000<\/p>\n Nothing Phone 4(a), $649 at JB Hi-Fi<\/a><\/p>\n Nothing Phone 4(a). Picture: Nothing<\/p>\n Nothing Phone 4(a). Picture: Nothing<\/p>\n Nothing Phone 4(a). Picture: Nothing<\/p>\n Nothing Phone 4(a). Picture: Nothing<\/p>\n PROS:<\/p>\n + Happy reviewers praises the battery life<\/p>\n + Impressed customers like the camera quality\u00a0<\/p>\n + Ideal if you prefer a larger display<\/p>\n + Fun design<\/p>\n + Three storage options: 8GB\/128GB, 8GB\/256GB and 12GB\/256GB<\/p>\n CONS:<\/p>\n – No wireless charging<\/p>\n Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Battery: 5080 mAh | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7S Gen 4 | RAM: 8GB (or 12GB for 256GB) | Cameras: 50PM main, 50MP periscope, 32MP front | Size: 162.20mm x 75.05mm x 7.76-7.82mm | Security and software updates (from product launch date, not purchase date): Three years of Android updates, six years of security patches)<\/p>\n $649 AT JB HI-FI<\/a><\/p>\n What You Need To Know<\/p>\n Can\u2019t help but accidentally start scrolling TikTok once you touch your phone? The new Glyph Bar on the Nothing Phone 4(a)<\/a> helps make things less tempting with customisable light patterns and sounds which you can assign to specific contacts or keywords, so there\u2019s no need to open the main display to see if something important has popped up. There\u2019s also progress-based notifications for things like deliveries and timers.<\/p>\n Nothing\u2019s eye-catching Phone 4(a) also features a three-camera system that offers up to 70x zoom, which is zoom power than some other popular options on the market.<\/p>\n SHOP HERE<\/a><\/p>\n What to look for when buying cheap smartphones<\/p>\n Want to ring in some help buying a new budget friendly mobile phone? Here are a few factors we considered when choosing what to include in our roundup. <\/p>\n Android or iOS<\/p>\n If you\u2019re unfamiliar with the Android vs iOS war, it\u2019s essentially choosing between an iPhone (iOS) and a smartphone that\u2019s running on an Android System (this includes Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus and pretty much anything which isn\u2019t an iPhone).<\/p>\n A lot of it comes down to preference but if you\u2019re not stuck on a particular brand, there are more Android options on the market to choose from. If you\u2019re already in the Apple ecosystem or prefer frequent software updates, iPhones may be more convenient.<\/p>\n Cameras<\/p>\n The camera is probably one of the main important aspects you\u2019ll likely have to slightly drop your expectations. But while there\u2019s a good chance it won\u2019t have the same optical zoom options (i.e. no ultra clear zoomed-in concert photos from nose bleed seats), you can still find budget phones with decent camera quality. <\/p>\n Battery life<\/p>\n Long battery life could be another trade-off, although many newer smartphones can last a full day\u2019s worth of regular usage (i.e. not using the device as a hotspot for several hours with non-stop heavy gaming). Sometimes brands\u2019 budget models will have a lower brightness, which can help sustain its stamina throughout the day. But if you\u2019re worried about staying charged, we recommend carrying a portable power bank<\/a>.<\/p>\n Software security updates<\/p>\n Do you why you\u2019ll get a notification on your phone to \u2018update software\u2019? To keep your smartphone working at its best and ensure all the data is secure, manufacturers will run several updates throughout the year and will continue to do so for a certain number of years (depending on the brand and model). Once your phone model stops receiving updates, you won\u2019t be able to get the latest security patches needed to keep your data secure. <\/p>\n Unlike with warranties, it doesn\u2019t matter when you buy your phone \u2013 the update period starts from the date the model is launched and will expire on the same date for everyone. This is worth taking into account if you\u2019re considering purchasing an older or refurbished model.<\/p>\n How we choose products<\/p>\n With hundreds of models available, it\u2019s impossible to test every model out there. To help you find the best cheap smartphone we tested several well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best cheap smartphone to help you find the right one for you.<\/p>\n Frequently asked questionsAre security updates necessary?<\/p>\n Tapping the \u2018software update\u2019 on your smartphone, laptop and tablet can include adding everything from adding new features to fixing bugs and any security holes that hackers may potentially try to take advantage of. <\/p>\n Can you trade in your phone? <\/p>\n Many mobile manufacturers and telco companies run trade-in schemes which let you exchange your current device for credit, allowing you to save a bit of cash on your new smartphone. The newer the model, the more credits you\u2019ll likely be able to claim and use towards your new gadget. But keep in mind certain factors can impact how much you can receive, including the condition of the item, device type and manufacturer.<\/p>\n *Products loaned by Samsung, Apple, Google and Oppo for a 100 honest, independent review.<\/p>\n To stay up to date on all the latest shopping news and sales, sign up to our newsletter here<\/a> and add us as a Preferred Source in Google here<\/a>. <\/p>\n Tahnee-Jae has years of reviewing experience, specialising in all the appliances and products that can help improve your home and life. From finding the best budget sheets to the mattresses that can help you get a better night\u2019s sleep, she does all of the research to save you time and money.![\"Tahnee-Jae](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f3b1574d-d1b0-4d61-9b0e-6bc7c1b1bebb.png\")
<\/a>Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito<\/a>Senior Shopping Writer<\/p>\n
\nShe previously worked as a content producer for one of Australia\u2019s top comparison sites Canstar Blue, where she spent her days learning what Australian shoppers really think by translating detailed national survey data into hundreds of highly respected consumer ratings \u2013 helping shed light on how well brands offer value for money and more.
\nArmed with a Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology, she knows that detail matters and is dedicated to creating in-depth shopping guides to help you find the right product.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Whenever I\u2019m chatting with people about the latest phones and researching the latest devices, one comment always 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